‘RSS: The Eternal Banyan of India’s Culture’, says PM Modi

Nagpur: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday described the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as the “modern eternal banyan tree of India’s immortal culture,” continuously energizing the nation’s consciousness and values. Addressing a gathering at the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the extended Madhav Netralaya Premier Centre in Nagpur, PM Modi said that for an RSS volunteer, “service is life.”

He noted that Swami Vivekananda awakened a despondent Indian society, instilled self-confidence, and ensured that national consciousness remained ignited. Decades later, RSS founders Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar and M.S. Golwalkar (Guruji) gave new energy to this movement. “The seed of national consciousness that was sown 100 years ago has now grown into a massive banyan tree, with its principles and ideals providing it strength, and millions of volunteers working as its branches,” he said.

 

The event was graced by RSS Chief Dr. Mohan Bhagwat, Juna Akhara Mahamandaleshwar Acharya Swami Avdheshanand Giri, Acharya Govinddev Giri Maharaj of Maharishi Vedvyas Pratisthan, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, and Madhav Netralaya’s Dr. Avinash Chandra Agnihotri.

Foundation for Advanced Eye Care Centre
PM Modi laid the foundation stone for the expanded Madhav Netralaya Premier Centre, an extension of the eye institute and research facility established in memory of RSS’s second chief, Guruji Golwalkar. The new facility will house a 250-bed hospital, 14 outpatient departments (OPDs), and 14 state-of-the-art operation theatres.

Tributes to Dr. Hedgewar, Guruji, and Dr. Ambedkar
Earlier in the day, PM Modi paid homage to RSS founder Dr. Hedgewar and Guruji Golwalkar at their memorials in Nagpur. He was accompanied by RSS Chief Dr. Mohan Bhagwat, former RSS Sarkaryavah Bhaiyyaji Joshi, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. The Prime Minister also visited Deekshabhoomi to pay tribute to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

In his speech, PM Modi touched upon India’s history, the role of saints in the Bhakti movement, RSS’s service-driven philosophy, national development, youth engagement with culture, healthcare expansion, education, language, and the Prayagraj Kumbh.

Healthcare, Vision, and National Development
Emphasizing the significance of vision, PM Modi said, “Madhav Netralaya is all about vision, and vision guides direction. The Vedas also wish for a hundred years of sight, not just external but also inner vision.”

He reiterated the government’s commitment to quality healthcare, stating that initiatives like Ayushman Bharat are ensuring free treatment for millions. He highlighted that thousands of Jan Aushadhi Kendras are providing affordable medicines, and hundreds of dialysis centers are offering free services, saving thousands of crores for patients. The past decade has seen the establishment of lakhs of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, providing telemedicine consultations with top doctors.

The Prime Minister noted that medical colleges in India have doubled, AIIMS institutions have increased, and medical seats have seen a twofold rise, ensuring greater accessibility for aspiring doctors. He emphasized that medical education is now available in regional languages, enabling students to pursue their dreams without linguistic barriers.

“From Deva to Desh, From Ram to Rashtra”
PM Modi underscored that India’s journey is rooted in a blend of modern knowledge and traditional wisdom. “Yoga and Ayurveda have gained global recognition, enhancing India’s stature,” he said. Reflecting on India’s resilience, he pointed out that despite foreign invasions and colonial rule, India’s national consciousness endured. “From Guru Nanak Dev to Sant Kabir, Tulsi Das, Sur Das, and Sant Tukaram, the Bhakti movement rekindled national consciousness in challenging times,” he added.

He cited the example of Sant Gulab Rao Maharaj of Maharashtra, who lost his eyesight but authored numerous scriptures due to his profound inner vision. Drawing a parallel, PM Modi said RSS embodies both external and inner vision, with Madhav Netralaya serving as a testament to its mission.

RSS: A Movement of Selfless Service
PM Modi hailed the RSS as a movement that fosters dedication, sacrifice, and service. “For an RSS volunteer, service is not an obligation but a sacred duty,” he said. He recalled a statement by Guruji Golwalkar, who likened RSS to a source of light that dispels darkness and guides others.

Highlighting India’s youth potential, he asserted that today’s generation is driven by innovation and self-confidence. “India’s youth have made Make in India a success, are vocal for local, and are excelling from sports fields to space missions,” he noted. He pointed out that the Prayagraj Kumbh witnessed a massive youth participation, showcasing pride in Sanatan traditions.

India’s Rising Global Stature
PM Modi reiterated that India is emerging as a global leader in service and solidarity. “From providing vaccines during COVID-19 to disaster relief in Myanmar, Nepal, and the Maldives, India has shown its commitment to humanity,” he said. He emphasized that the Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (world as one family) philosophy is now resonating globally.

Breaking Colonial Shackles
PM Modi said India is breaking free from colonial remnants. “Laws imposed by the British to suppress Indians have been replaced by new justice codes. Rajpath is now Kartavya Path. The Indian Navy’s flag now features Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s emblem instead of colonial insignia,” he stated.

He also highlighted how Andaman islands, associated with Veer Savarkar and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, have been renamed after India’s freedom fighters. “This new India is marching forward with self-respect, shedding the chains of colonialism,” he asserted.

Dr. Mohan Bhagwat on RSS Ideals and Madhav Netralaya
RSS Chief Dr. Mohan Bhagwat reflected on the significance of the day, noting that it marks Dr. Hedgewar’s birth anniversary, Hindu New Year, and the commencement of Chaitra Navratri. He praised Madhav Netralaya for three decades of dedicated service in ophthalmic care, emphasizing that RSS volunteers serve with selfless love and commitment.

He explained that the RSS ideology is driven by purity and not compulsion, fear, or reaction. “Volunteers see society as their own family. This spirit is nurtured in RSS shakhas (branches), where they imbibe a sense of dedication and responsibility towards the nation,” he said. He pointed out that RSS now operates over 1.5 lakh service projects across the country, guided by the principles of selfless service.

Dr. Bhagwat concluded by recalling how, in 1926, RSS volunteers efficiently managed logistics for a pilgrimage to Ramtek, demonstrating their deep-rooted spirit of service. “An RSS volunteer derives energy from the shakha and dedicates it to the welfare of society,” he affirmed.

The event was attended by RSS leaders, including All India Executive Member Bhaiyyaji Joshi, Suresh Soni, and Sah-Sarkaryavah Mukunda C.R.